Krista: To me, a role model is someone who possesses some special
qualities or has done something extraordinary. Someone who has
inspired others or has sacrificed something of themselves for
someone else. Surely, I am not one of these people, am I? But then
I began to reflect on all that has happened in my life and all that I
have done in my life and realized, maybe I am one of those people.
qualities or has done something extraordinary. Someone who has
inspired others or has sacrificed something of themselves for
someone else. Surely, I am not one of these people, am I? But then
I began to reflect on all that has happened in my life and all that I
have done in my life and realized, maybe I am one of those people.
Rosalva: Well here I am, a student pilot, a future woman pilot, member of
the Ninety-Nine’s Southwest Chapter. So far I have met a wonderful group
of women pilots at their monthly dinner. I look up to them with admiration
and for guidance hoping that I can obtain some fraction of their
accomplishment. I hope to be a woman pilot worthy of the title.
the Ninety-Nine’s Southwest Chapter. So far I have met a wonderful group
of women pilots at their monthly dinner. I look up to them with admiration
and for guidance hoping that I can obtain some fraction of their
accomplishment. I hope to be a woman pilot worthy of the title.
Virginia: I hope to have my private pilot license by Christmas 2008 and, should
funding allow, I would like to pursue my instrument rating for the purpose of
one day offering orientation flights to youth. I can think of no better way to fuel
the love of flight than to nurture a child’s dream of flying and enable them to
have a soaring future.
funding allow, I would like to pursue my instrument rating for the purpose of
one day offering orientation flights to youth. I can think of no better way to fuel
the love of flight than to nurture a child’s dream of flying and enable them to
have a soaring future.
| If you would like to read about last year's scholarship and applicants, click here. Last year's Scholarship Winner has her own pages. Please also read the general scholarship information that we have put together before sending any inquiries to GWW. |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Girls With Wings™ Lakewood, Oh 216.577.6131 |
| Girls With Wings™ was formed by Very Important Pilots, LLC |
| Learn a little 'bout life on the road as a pilot! |
| These are brief excerpts from the full essays sent to the scholarship committee. |
| ©2008 Very Important Pilots, LLC. All rights reserved. |
| ***Sign up for our eZine*** |
Berkley: I have a dream and vision, and my dream is about flight. I
intend to be the first Nigerian, or even African to build an aero plane
that will be piloted by me. So I started by building remote control
planes and helicopters. Actually they did not fly, this is not because I
can’t make them fly but because I don’t have the engines and things
needed to make it fly. My dream is to study aviation engineering
abroad.
intend to be the first Nigerian, or even African to build an aero plane
that will be piloted by me. So I started by building remote control
planes and helicopters. Actually they did not fly, this is not because I
can’t make them fly but because I don’t have the engines and things
needed to make it fly. My dream is to study aviation engineering
abroad.
Thank you to our
supporters who
made contributions
to the 2008
Scholarship:
supporters who
made contributions
to the 2008
Scholarship:
- Erline Trsek
- The Nebrig
Family - Carol Stocker
- The Jacobs
Family
Amanda: As a recipient of this scholarship, I would be able to
continue my pursuit of the “impossible” and show all of those
girls and women out there that no matter what society says, it is
possible. No matter how many people say, “You will never make
it,” “They won’t hire you,” or that I am, “better off working at a
beauty salon,” I will never stop, I will overcome and I will look
toward what I was meant to do.
continue my pursuit of the “impossible” and show all of those
girls and women out there that no matter what society says, it is
possible. No matter how many people say, “You will never make
it,” “They won’t hire you,” or that I am, “better off working at a
beauty salon,” I will never stop, I will overcome and I will look
toward what I was meant to do.
Emma: If the purpose of a role model is to understand, inspire,
help and encourage others, then I think I could do that. As a
sixteen year old learning life lessons and flying skills
simultaneously, I have the ability to empathize with girls my own
age and younger, because I've been in shoes their same size,
metaphorically; and my growing understanding of the adult world
is making me more aware and knowledgeable all the time of the
predicaments of women older than myself, allowing me to
empathize with them, too.
help and encourage others, then I think I could do that. As a
sixteen year old learning life lessons and flying skills
simultaneously, I have the ability to empathize with girls my own
age and younger, because I've been in shoes their same size,
metaphorically; and my growing understanding of the adult world
is making me more aware and knowledgeable all the time of the
predicaments of women older than myself, allowing me to
empathize with them, too.
Christine: I know that someday I will be a pilot because deep inside me, I know
that I have what it takes to be successful. My first actual passenger will be my
mom so that I can share with her the most precious moment of my success,
just as she has shared with me her love for the past sixteen years of my life. I
will be a commercial airline pilot, enjoying the skies, seeing beautiful cultures,
and meeting new people.
that I have what it takes to be successful. My first actual passenger will be my
mom so that I can share with her the most precious moment of my success,
just as she has shared with me her love for the past sixteen years of my life. I
will be a commercial airline pilot, enjoying the skies, seeing beautiful cultures,
and meeting new people.
Paula: I would be a great inspiration to girls, as I am an older
student pilot who decided to treat myself to a gift of my first flying
lesson at age 50. I then joined the women Pilots organization
(99s), and since I am a videographer, proceeded to make a 30
minute video about women airline pilots, entitled “Airborne."
student pilot who decided to treat myself to a gift of my first flying
lesson at age 50. I then joined the women Pilots organization
(99s), and since I am a videographer, proceeded to make a 30
minute video about women airline pilots, entitled “Airborne."
Alethia: I have always been a person who excels in everything I
do, and believe I am already a model for women and girls in the
world. I am a woman who has always aimed for the stars, and
who fights to promote gender equality through everything I do. I
co-founded a non-profit organization whose goal is to eradicate
human trafficking through means of education and women’s
empowerment.
do, and believe I am already a model for women and girls in the
world. I am a woman who has always aimed for the stars, and
who fights to promote gender equality through everything I do. I
co-founded a non-profit organization whose goal is to eradicate
human trafficking through means of education and women’s
empowerment.
Staci: Yes, I am a mother, a wife and a female and you know
what? I WILL make a great pilot. To all women and girls of every
age don't let the things you should be proud of most stand in
your way! God made us all how he wanted us! Embrace it, live it,
love it! Thank you for this opportunity and consideration.
what? I WILL make a great pilot. To all women and girls of every
age don't let the things you should be proud of most stand in
your way! God made us all how he wanted us! Embrace it, live it,
love it! Thank you for this opportunity and consideration.
Anya: Words that I live by is everyone is capable. Everyone is
capable of doing anything they want. Many people may not have
the confidence and drive to go after their dreams but they are
very capable. There are no limits for any age, race, or gender.
The opportunity to fulfill a desire is always present. Someone
might have more fortune than another in certain areas but it
does not determine the outcome.
capable of doing anything they want. Many people may not have
the confidence and drive to go after their dreams but they are
very capable. There are no limits for any age, race, or gender.
The opportunity to fulfill a desire is always present. Someone
might have more fortune than another in certain areas but it
does not determine the outcome.
Amy: Anyone who knows me can assure you that I have a deep
rooted passion for Aviation. I think about it all the time. It is my
first thought in the morning and my last thought as I close my
eyes to rest at night. As a little girl I always dreamt about flying
and I was always into things that weren’t considered “typical” for
girls. I was somewhat a tomboy you can say because i wasn't
afraid to get dirty or hurt. Scholarship Winner!
rooted passion for Aviation. I think about it all the time. It is my
first thought in the morning and my last thought as I close my
eyes to rest at night. As a little girl I always dreamt about flying
and I was always into things that weren’t considered “typical” for
girls. I was somewhat a tomboy you can say because i wasn't
afraid to get dirty or hurt. Scholarship Winner!
Barb: In becoming a Private Pilot, I can see so many possibilities. I
believe that the best part of achievements is being able to use them
to benefit others. In reaching out to children, I see helping Girl
Scouts earn their Aviation Badge, conducting in school programs to
educate children in the contributions and importance of aviation and
perhaps providing some children with their first experience in a
small aircraft.
believe that the best part of achievements is being able to use them
to benefit others. In reaching out to children, I see helping Girl
Scouts earn their Aviation Badge, conducting in school programs to
educate children in the contributions and importance of aviation and
perhaps providing some children with their first experience in a
small aircraft.
Tracey: I strive to be a shiny example to my kids that you can
never be too old for going back to school, doing homework or
studying every chance you can. I hope my children see my
dedication and single mindedness as I pursue my dream, and
that I will inspire them to have the same devotion toward any
goal that they choose.
never be too old for going back to school, doing homework or
studying every chance you can. I hope my children see my
dedication and single mindedness as I pursue my dream, and
that I will inspire them to have the same devotion toward any
goal that they choose.
Danielle: I would encourage every female to take a discovery
flight. So they can see how exciting, dynamic and challenging the
whole Aviation industry can be. And also tell them, not to let
other talk you out of your dreams if you know what you want.
Landing your dream job and remembering what you truly want to
become in life, is never too late.
flight. So they can see how exciting, dynamic and challenging the
whole Aviation industry can be. And also tell them, not to let
other talk you out of your dreams if you know what you want.
Landing your dream job and remembering what you truly want to
become in life, is never too late.
Tanika: My motivation for this scholarship is a recent skydiving
trip I took with my mother and sister for my 25th birthday. I was
a quarter if a century and knew i wanted to do something
different, something "crazy", something "outrageous". I second-
guessed my decision a number of times because, it seemed,
everyone i shared my birthday "wish" with told me i was nuts.
trip I took with my mother and sister for my 25th birthday. I was
a quarter if a century and knew i wanted to do something
different, something "crazy", something "outrageous". I second-
guessed my decision a number of times because, it seemed,
everyone i shared my birthday "wish" with told me i was nuts.
Nicole: Challenges have always intrigued me; hence, I’m a girl yet
trying to earn my wings! I’ve been told the air is no place for a
woman, but I politely disagree, it’s the only place for me. When I
am flying my Piper Warrior for my lessons, I feel at home. And
when I am at home with my parents on the ground, I yearn to
return to the sky.
trying to earn my wings! I’ve been told the air is no place for a
woman, but I politely disagree, it’s the only place for me. When I
am flying my Piper Warrior for my lessons, I feel at home. And
when I am at home with my parents on the ground, I yearn to
return to the sky.
Breanne: Flying is something that I am truly amorous about. It is
extremely important to me that I take pleasure in my career. Being a
member of an industry where women are the minority makes me want
to participate even more. I believe that being a woman professional
pilot would be setting a positive example not only for other female
aspiring pilots, but to all pilots.
extremely important to me that I take pleasure in my career. Being a
member of an industry where women are the minority makes me want
to participate even more. I believe that being a woman professional
pilot would be setting a positive example not only for other female
aspiring pilots, but to all pilots.
Laura: It is a love story as old as DaVinci. Girl meets helicopter;
girl falls in love. And a girl in love is a volatile thing indeed. Girl
wonders why she spent four years on a college diploma,
forsakes previous dependable career path, and starts equating
all monetary units into time on the Hobbs meter.
girl falls in love. And a girl in love is a volatile thing indeed. Girl
wonders why she spent four years on a college diploma,
forsakes previous dependable career path, and starts equating
all monetary units into time on the Hobbs meter.
Lauren: However, I do know that I want to continue flying. I
want this to be an experience that defines me as a person: a
skill I have, something that gives me a sense of accomplishment,
and something that no one can ever take away from me. I
recently met a pilot who told me to never let a day go by in which
I do not learn something. I feel that this statement is very true;
it not only relates to flying, but to life in general.
want this to be an experience that defines me as a person: a
skill I have, something that gives me a sense of accomplishment,
and something that no one can ever take away from me. I
recently met a pilot who told me to never let a day go by in which
I do not learn something. I feel that this statement is very true;
it not only relates to flying, but to life in general.
Rachel: I want to encourage other girls to go for their dreams
like I have mine. Before I realized my ambition of becoming a pilot
I felt like I was on a path to nowhere. I want to help girls find
their aspiration and be the mentor that assists them in reaching
it!
like I have mine. Before I realized my ambition of becoming a pilot
I felt like I was on a path to nowhere. I want to help girls find
their aspiration and be the mentor that assists them in reaching
it!
Simi: I hope that I will always serve as a role model and mentor
to the young ladies in the Flight Training Program at Davis
Aerospace and to young women around the world by letting
them know that Girls have wings, take flight and SOAR!!!
to the young ladies in the Flight Training Program at Davis
Aerospace and to young women around the world by letting
them know that Girls have wings, take flight and SOAR!!!
Carolanne: I know that if I achieve my goal of obtaining the
private pilot’s license, I will prove to myself that anything is
possible. Not to mention, it is extremely exciting to be able to
hang around the airport and hold conversations with other
pilots. It’s a wonderful place for me to get advice and support
from the “family” that I have there.
private pilot’s license, I will prove to myself that anything is
possible. Not to mention, it is extremely exciting to be able to
hang around the airport and hold conversations with other
pilots. It’s a wonderful place for me to get advice and support
from the “family” that I have there.
Junie: My current dream is to become an airline pilot. I never
give up on my dreams and never will. Anyone can have dreams,
but not too many people can say they have lived them. I love to
support females at any age in the aviation community, but the
young girls are our future. Like I did when I was a child, they
need to reach for the stars dream for the sky.
give up on my dreams and never will. Anyone can have dreams,
but not too many people can say they have lived them. I love to
support females at any age in the aviation community, but the
young girls are our future. Like I did when I was a child, they
need to reach for the stars dream for the sky.
Pat: I am not mechanical. I am not gifted in the black arts of
aerodynamics, weather, engines, electronics, or nose struts.
What I AM is determined. I have learned all the above by brute
force and long hours of study. And I am continuing to learn even
more. It has been worth every hour spent. I am going to be a
pilot. Because I love to fly.
aerodynamics, weather, engines, electronics, or nose struts.
What I AM is determined. I have learned all the above by brute
force and long hours of study. And I am continuing to learn even
more. It has been worth every hour spent. I am going to be a
pilot. Because I love to fly.
Denise: Now, when I fly, I feel free. I feel like I connect with my
brother. It is something we share - the love of flying. I feel I have
escaped my fear of a reoccurring tragedy. I am living again. There
is nothing like taking the controls in my hands and taking off into
the blue skies of freedom.
brother. It is something we share - the love of flying. I feel I have
escaped my fear of a reoccurring tragedy. I am living again. There
is nothing like taking the controls in my hands and taking off into
the blue skies of freedom.
Elle: I consider it a blessing beyond comprehension that I have
had the privilege to start learning how to fly this past summer.
When I was young I don’t ever remember not wanting to fly
when I grew up, which was fortunate for me because it gave me
many years to save up for flight school. Unfortunately, to the
detriment of my friends and family, since flight lessons started I
can tell they wish I had another subject to talk about.
had the privilege to start learning how to fly this past summer.
When I was young I don’t ever remember not wanting to fly
when I grew up, which was fortunate for me because it gave me
many years to save up for flight school. Unfortunately, to the
detriment of my friends and family, since flight lessons started I
can tell they wish I had another subject to talk about.
Katlyn: I desire to be the role model for my peers and younger girls,
who have a dream but just don’t know how to achieve it. I am a role
model to a young girl like Lindsey was to me, I share with her that no
one can hold you down, if you have a passion and desire for
something you love, and what a better way to show this young girl
and future children in my life that you can do anything if you set your
mind to it.
who have a dream but just don’t know how to achieve it. I am a role
model to a young girl like Lindsey was to me, I share with her that no
one can hold you down, if you have a passion and desire for
something you love, and what a better way to show this young girl
and future children in my life that you can do anything if you set your
mind to it.
Delilah: Seeing and hearing stories about other single mothers
following their dreams, despite their hardships, has always been
very encouraging. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my
life, while juggling parenting, working, and raising myself into
adulthood. It was the support from my friends and the advice
from others in similar circumstances that has allowed me to stay
focused and keep moving forward. In turn, I try to do the same
for others by staying actively involved with local charities.
following their dreams, despite their hardships, has always been
very encouraging. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my
life, while juggling parenting, working, and raising myself into
adulthood. It was the support from my friends and the advice
from others in similar circumstances that has allowed me to stay
focused and keep moving forward. In turn, I try to do the same
for others by staying actively involved with local charities.
Dana: Last year, I stumbled across the Girls With Wings Role
Models page. I read about Maj. Nicole Malachowski, the first
female Thunderbird pilot and all-around amazing Air Force pilot. I
cannot describe how much her story has inspired me, since for
the first time I realized that my flying dream was not crazy, that
there are others like me, dreaming and achieving those dreams.
Models page. I read about Maj. Nicole Malachowski, the first
female Thunderbird pilot and all-around amazing Air Force pilot. I
cannot describe how much her story has inspired me, since for
the first time I realized that my flying dream was not crazy, that
there are others like me, dreaming and achieving those dreams.
Katie: The definition for motivation is a reason to act. Personally, I
think that the only motivation someone needs is their own will. There
is no reason I want to be a pilot other than my own interest and
dreams. There have been people along the way that I greatly admire
and look up to, but I am not doing this for them - I am doing it for
myself.
think that the only motivation someone needs is their own will. There
is no reason I want to be a pilot other than my own interest and
dreams. There have been people along the way that I greatly admire
and look up to, but I am not doing this for them - I am doing it for
myself.
Neeta: After my under graduation I have started looking for various
opportunities and options that are available for aspiring pilots across
the world. I finally chose to be a commercial pilot as I would be able
to fly people along with me and make their dreams come true along
with mine.
opportunities and options that are available for aspiring pilots across
the world. I finally chose to be a commercial pilot as I would be able
to fly people along with me and make their dreams come true along
with mine.
 |